Christ Child Society hosts shower to collect supplies

The slogan of the Christ Child Society (CCS) is echoed by the more than 200 women in the Toledo area who have dedicated themselves to the welfare of children.

“In my five years with the organization, the most rewarding experience I have had was during our Clothe a Child Program,” said Membership Chairman Jane Larsen. “When I gave a young boy a brand-new winter jacket, it was one of the most satisfying experiences of my life and I will never forget his enthusiastic reaction.”

The CCS is a national volunteer organization that has spent more than 125 years serving children. The Toledo chapter was organized in 1990.

The Red Wagon Shower is one of the CCS’s annual community outreach programs. The CCS of Toledo will host its 10th annual member-only Red Wagon Shower event on Oct. 9 at Sylvania Country Club.

“The CCS signature red wagons will be used in loving memory of our founder, Mary Virginia Merrick,” said Director of Public Relations Kitsie Valiton. “The famous Red Wagon raffle will feature many items donated by generous area sponsors. Many of the wagons will be filled with fantastic items for the raffle and the remaining red wagon centerpieces will be filled with beautiful fall flowers.”

Members are encouraged to attend the event for lunch and to donate diapers for the organization’s layette program. A layette is a package of newborn essentials including clothing, blankets, diapers, toys, books and other infant necessities. The organization collects materials to make and distribute hundreds of these packages each year.

The Red Wagon Shower is one way CCS members’ help make a difference in the community, President Cecile Bennett said.

“Last year we were able to distribute more than 800 layettes to help mothers with newborn babies in many different hospitals in the Toledo area,” Bennett said. “Our last event collected mountains of diapers and it was enough to fill up five SUVs.”

Since its inception, the organization’s outreach has expanded to include educational programs to help address the needs of today’s children.

“With the help of more than 200 members in our organization, we are able to administer many different programs a year ranging from tutoring children to distributing layettes and winter clothing. Working with CCS has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life,” Bennett said.

The CCS has an annual informational meeting introducing the goals of the organization and discussing how to become a member. Following the informational meeting, the organization trains new members and gives them a preview into the work of CCS.

The Toledo chapter was recently recognized with two national awards: one for its program, “Parenting Today’s Kids,” and a second award for the greatest increase in membership.